Transition Towards Sustainable Ecotourism In Bouira Province, Algeria: An Environmental And Spatial Approach

Abstract

Sustainable ecotourism has emerged over recent decades as one of the most significant contemporary development paradigms aimed at balancing economic growth with the conservation of natural resources, particularly in environmentally and spatially sensitive areas. The mountainous and forested landscapes of Bouira Province constitute some of Algeria’s most valuable natural assets, possessing diverse environmental and tourism potentials that make the region a promising destination for the development of sustainable ecotourism.

This study aims to analyze the current state of ecotourism in Bouira Province and evaluate its natural and spatial resources while highlighting the major environmental challenges that hinder sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, the study proposes practical strategies for transitioning toward a sustainable tourism model based on ecosystem conservation and local development.

The research adopts a descriptive-analytical and spatial approach, combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with ecotourism development in the study area. A set of environmental and spatial indicators was also employed to evaluate tourism carrying capacity and the sustainability of tourism activities.

The findings reveal that Bouira Province possesses significant natural and tourism assets, including extensive forest cover, rich biodiversity, abundant water resources, and mountainous landscapes with high tourism attractiveness. However, the region faces several environmental challenges, including inadequate environmental infrastructure, pollution, seasonal human pressure, and deficiencies in sustainable management practices. The study recommends the adoption of integrated environmental planning, the strengthening of environmental governance, the involvement of local communities, the development of green infrastructure, and the incorporation of sustainable development principles into local tourism policies.